France Puts a Cap on Ketchup in School Cafeterias

The lunches of French children have just gotten a lot blander. In an effort to fight against obesity and to keep the French youth, well, French, France's government has essentially banned ketchup from primary and secondary school cafeterias. The all-American condiment will be rationed to children only when they are served with, what else, French fries.

The Times reports that ketchup is being rationed in order to "ensure that French children remain French," as lately they have been eschewing their own country's Gallic fare in favor of "US-style snacks." Of course, the ban also helps to promote healthful eating. By giving out ketchup only when it is absolutely called for and in carefully measured amounts, the French hope to stop children from slathering buckets of the sugary condiment onto every bite. "France must be an example to the world in the quality of its food, starting with its children," agriculture and food minister Bruno Le Maire told the press.

The New York Daily Newsreports that the new school food policy will also extend to the restriction of salt and other sauces such as mayonnaise and salad dressings. Self-serve condiment stations will be a thing of the past, allowing for France to have ultimate portion control over its children. French fries and other fried food like chicken nuggets will be served only once a week, but France's famous crusty baguettes will be available daily. School meals will also be required to include a dairy product as well as fruits and vegetables.